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Sunday, November 10, 2013
Iqbal’s life, political struggle highlighted at RAC
* Speech, tableau competitions, photo exhibition organised to mark 136th birth anniversary of Poet of the EastISLAMABAD: The 136th birth anniversary of poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal was celebrated at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) with enthusiasm.
Speech and tableau competitions among students, in collaboration with the Association for Academic Qualification (AFAQ), were organised to highlight the services of Allama Iqbal for Muslims of the subcontinent.
A photographic exhibition on the life and political struggle of Allama Iqbal was also arranged to mark the day. The participants paid homage to the great poet, who envisioned the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.
National Assembly Member Raja Javed Ikhlas said the vision of Allama Iqbal was instrumental in awakening the Muslims from a deep slumber. His vision coupled with the sustained efforts of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led to the birth of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, he added.
Senator Razina Alam inaugurated the exhibition, based on rare photos on the life and struggle of Iqbal.
Paying tribute to Allama Iqbal, Alam said Dr Iqbal based his thoughts on Quran and promoted humanity in his interpretations.
She said he woke the Muslims from disillusionment and reminded them about their future.
Naheed Manzoor said the reason to organise the event was to convey the message of Allama Iqbal to children in a practical way.
In the speech competition, Muhmaad Umer from the Roots School System bagged the first position, Umme Rubab from the Station School secured the second position and Komal Imtiaz from the AIMS Education System stood third.
In the tableau competition, which was based on Iqbal’s poetry, the Khalid Boys Model School got first, the Station School got second and the Dar-e-Arqam secured the third position.
In the Kalam-e-Iqbal individual category, Ahmed Shah from the Roots School secured first, Midhat Mahboob got second and Adeela Akhtar from the City English School remained third. In the Kalam-e-Iqbal group category, the City English School stood first, the Khalid Boys Schools got second position and the Station School remained third.
MNA Raja Javed Ikhlas, Senator Razina Alam, Naheed Manzoor, AFAQ Regional Head Namair Hassan Madni and RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed were the guests of honour.
Meanwhile, the government of Pakistan announced a holiday to observe the Iqbal Day. Radio Pakistan and television channels aired special programmes on the life, ideas and achievements of Allama Iqbal.
National flag hoisting ceremonies on government buildings were held throughout the country, while the ceremonial change of guards at the tomb of Allama Iqbal in Lahore also took place.
Seminars, symposiums and different functions were held across the country to celebrate the birth anniversary of the national poet and pay homage to him for his teachings. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk